Freemasons Appeal Grows

Media Release

Queensland Freemasons $1M fundraising effort extended to assist Cyclone ravaged North Queensland communities

Almost 50% of target $1M in funding already achieved through local, interstate and international support initiatives

Brisbane, Qld 4 February 2011, Immediate Release: Freemasons Queensland Grand Master, Adrian Burton today announced the extension of the $1M Queensland Flood relief appeal to assist North Queensland communities devastated by Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

With more than $480 000 in funds already secured, proceeds from the Appeal, re-named The Grand Master’s Queensland Flood and Cyclone Appeal, will now include the support of social infrastructure projects in Cyclone affected communities.

“Our original appeal sought to assist communities in flood-affected regions of Queensland to get back on their feet,” Adrian Burton said. “But it has become tragically apparent in the last 24 hours that communities in the north of our state will need our support also.”

“It is our hope that our efforts will surpass our original goal of $1 million to assist in the rebuilding of community infrastructure and services which have been damaged or destroyed. Already we have reached almost half of our target, which given the appeal was launched less than a week ago, is extremely encouraging,” he said.

The Grand Master’s Queensland Flood and Cyclone Appeal will provide direct financial support to those projects that local leaders and regional councils recognize as critical to their communities. All funds received will be administered and disbursed by Queensland Freemasons within affected Communities in consultation with local Community Leaders and Regional Councils.

The Co-ordination Group appointed initially for the Flood Appeal, and led by Assistant Grand Master, Alan Townson, will now focus its efforts on Cyclone affected communities also.

In addition to the Grand Master’s Queensland Flood and Cyclone Appeal, Freemasons Queensland is providing assistance to members and their families who have experienced personal hardship due to Tropical Cyclone Yasi, and last month’s extensive and highly destructive flooding.

Ends…

Freemasons Queensland is the Queensland-based chapter of the global Freemasonry organization, and comprises 300 Lodges and over 9,000 members throughout the state. With a history spanning hundreds of years – 150 in Queensland – the mission of Freemasonry is to encourages tolerance, integrity and self-development of its members, whilst promoting service to the community.

Visit www.freemasonsqld.org.au for more information.

About Grand Master Adrian Burton:

Adrian Burton is current Grand Master of Freemasons Queensland and has held a range of senior positions in Queensland Freemasonry since 1990. Adrian has extensive commercial experience with State, National, and Australasian Boards, and has held senior positions including:
• Group Operations Manager
• State Manager
• General Manager
• Chief Executive Officer and
• National Manager

He has spent the last 36 years in the furniture industry in the retail management sector as well as the wholesale and importing sector.

The position of Grand Master may be equated to that of CEO or Managing Director in commercial environments.

About Assistant Grand Master and Flood Appeal Co-ordination Group leader Alan Townson:

Alan Townson served in the Australian Army for 24 years attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He holds a degree in electrical engineering (Hons 1) from the University of New South Wales, a post graduate diploma in Management from the CentalQueenslandUniversity and a graduate diploma in Technology Management from the Royal Military College of Science, England. Upon leaving the Army, Alan worked for the Industry Capability Network providing engineering and procurement services to mining, mineral processing and power generation projects in Queensland.

Media Contact::

Graham Schulz

Deputy Grand Secretary | United Grand Lodge of Queensland

Masonic Memorial Centre |

T: +61 7 3229 3533 | F: +61 7 3229 9288

E: dgsec@freemasonsqld.org.au